Consumer Tips

Water Purifiers

The Bureau wishes to advise consumers to BEWARE of claims that a water purification device is approved by the Canadian or US government. Some units are registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency, but registration indicates only that the silver they contain (to prevent bacterial growth) doesn't enter the water in hazardous amounts. Some devices may be certified by the Canadian Standards Association, but that indicates their electrical safety only. Instead, find out if the device is certified by the US-based National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). The NSF tests activated-carbon filters, water softeners, reverse-osmosis units and distillers against its own performance standards. Representatives of Health Canada have said they consider NSF certification to be a reliable indicator of a device's quality.

Water purifiers are popular products in multi-level or network marketing plans and telemarketing promotions. It is up to the consumer to SHOP AROUND to compare quality, features, price, warranty, etc. To buy sight unseen would, of course, eliminate this opportunity.